Why Bother Being Jewish?

Most Jews lack basic Jewish literacy. You can’t abandon what you never had in the first place.

Why should American Jews bother to be Jewish? According to a new Pew Research Center survey of the American Jewish community, more and more American Jews have reached the conclusion that there is no reason to be Jewish.

Outside of the Orthodox Jewish community, intermarriage rates have reached 71 percent. Thirty-two percent of Jews born since 1980 and 22% of Jews overall do not describe themselves as Jews by religion. They base their Jewish identity on ancestry, ethnicity or culture.

Whereas 73% of Jews say that remembering the Holocaust is an essential part of being Jewish, only 19% said that observing Jewish law is a vital aspect of Jewish identity. Fourteen percent say eating Jewish foods is indispensable for their Jewish identity. Forty-two percent say that having a sense of humor is a critical part of being a Jew.

Gabriel Roth, an intermarried Jewish author, welcomes these numbers. In a column in Slate, Roth claimed that the reason most cultural Jews keep traditions of any kind is a sense of guilt toward their parents and previous generations of Jews. He believes that it's time to get over the guilt. Keeping such traditions has "no intrinsic meaning."

"How much value can 'Jewish heritage' have if it signifies nothing beyond its own perpetuation?" he asked sneeringly.

If Judaism has nothing to offer beyond lox and Seinfeld, then there is no reason to remain Jewish.

Obviously, the answer is no value. To do something you feel is intrinsically meaningless just because your forefathers did the same meaningless thing is a waste of time. If Judaism has nothing to offer beyond lox and Seinfeld, then there is no reason to remain Jewish.

The findings of the Pew survey, and indeed, sentiments like those that Roth described are no surprise to those who have been following the downward trajectory of the American Jewish community.

Numerous initiatives have been adopted over the past decade or so to try to reverse the trend toward assimilation and loss of Jewish identity. These initiatives, including websites like JDate that help Jewish singles find and marry one another, and Birthright, which has brought tens of thousands of young, largely unaffiliated Jews to Israel, have had a positive impact in slowing down the trend. But the move away from Judaism for non-Orthodox American Jews remains seemingly inexorable.

"We have tried a lot of different things and created a lot of wonderful programs," explains political theorist Yoram Hazony, the founder of the Shalem Center and author of The Philosophy of Hebrew Scripture, published last year.

Hazony, who now heads the Herzl Institute, continues, "We've tried everything other than the central thing. Jews need to understand that there is an attractive and compelling idea that makes it valuable to be Jews."

That idea, as Hazony explained in his recent book, is found first and foremost in the Bible.

Roth wrote, "If you believe that Jewish traditions are part of a covenant with God, of course you want your children to continue them."

Yes, of course. But if you think that Judaism can be summed up so glibly, then you have no idea what it is that you are abandoning.

So in a sense, you are abandoning nothing. Because you cannot abandon what you never had in the first place.

Hazony's excellent book explains in easy, approachable language that the wisdom and philosophy imparted by the Hebrew Bible was purposely denied by the anti-Semitic philosophers of the Enlightenment. Immanuel Kant, Friedrich Hegel and other leading philosophers of the Enlightenment were vicious Jew haters. They sought to cleanse modern philosophy of all references to the Bible in a bid to write Jews and Judaism out of the history of ideas and the contemporary intellectual world.

This they accomplished by subsuming the Hebrew scriptures (like the New Testament) under a broader criticism of "work of revelation." As a revealed text, (a divine covenant ordered by a deity with which none of us have direct dealings), the Hebrew scripture was then misrepresented as something that has no relevance for people trying to determine for themselves what it means to live a good, moral and just life. Those concepts, we were told, could only be learned from Greek philosophers, who, in turn, were falsely characterized as atheists.

Hazony does not simply expose the philosophical crime against the Jews undertaken by the Enlightenment philosophers. He demonstrates why the ideas found in the Bible are deeply relevant and important to our lives, and indeed, how they form the basis for man's quest to live a good, moral life.

"The Jewish idea is in the Tanach, the Hebrew Bible and the rabbinical commentaries on the Tanach," he explains.

The Jews were the people who brought the idea that an individual was responsible for discovering truth and right and for bringing it into the world.

"To the extent we care and see something worthwhile in these ideas then everything falls into place. When you take it all out, everything turns into a bagel – it all tastes good but there's a big hole in the center where the idea is supposed to be.

"The Jews were the people who brought the idea that an individual was responsible for discovering truth and right and for bringing it into the world.”

That is the idea that freed mankind.

That is the biblical idea. The Bible is about the expectation that a human being is going to take responsibility for discovering the truth and what's right and devote his or her life to bringing what is right to the world.

"The fact that most Jews no longer study it, no longer remember it, means they stopped being part of the historic Jewish drama. It is being part of that great drama that makes people care whether their children receive a Jewish education and marry Jews, and that makes them support Israel. Without the great drama that we learn from the Bible, then Israel becomes meaningless and intermarriage becomes obvious," Hazony concludes.

Orthodox Jews feel that the Holocaust is less essential to their Jewish identity than Conservative and Reform Jews, (66% of Orthodox, versus 78% and 77% of Conservative and Reform Jews, respectively). On the other hand, 69% of Orthodox Jews believe that being part of a Jewish community is essential to their Judaism. Just 40% and 25% of Conservative and Reform Jews, respectively, feel this way. And this makes sense.

The Holocaust was the most recent attempt of an oppressor to annihilate the Jews. In the 4,000-year history of the Jewish people, there have been dozens of attempts to annihilate us. The Jewish story is the story not of others' attempts to destroy us, nor even of our capacity to withstand and survive these attempts. The Jewish story is the story of the lives we lived, the culture we developed, and the life of the mind that bound us together.

Jews who have learned the Bible know their history did not start in 1933. They know that the Jewish story is the story of a people that believes so strongly in its mission to bring the liberating idea of personal responsibility to choose good and life over evil and death that it refused to surrender to its oppressors.

The Jewish drama, as set out in the Bible, is the story of a nation that from the outset and until the present day chooses freedom over submission, while maintaining allegiance to a sacred trust, and an ancient people and a promised land.

When you understand this, remaining Jewish is a privilege, not a sacrifice.

And, alas, when you fail to understand this, leaving Judaism not a tragedy but simply a natural progression.

I might disagree with Hazony but, that is of no import. I could never accept that being of the lineage that laid the foundations of the civilization upon which the edifice of our world has been errected, is irrelevant. It is an astounding fact that the questions that the Torah is the answer to have been the most productive questions ever asked. And I have little doubt that they will, in the future, continue to produce answers that we can as yet not imagine. You see our great value, and so our great threat, lies in being the askers of awkward questions. To those of you who wish to sink into the morass of the unthinking masses: ask where you would be without accountable goverment, independent courts, universal education, and the panoply which we resume as human rights: every science - all procede from the Torah and the manner of its teaching - question after question in a never ending discussion. Hitler was wrong; people can stop being Jews because it is not just that we are descendants of Avraham Avinu, which we can decide to forget, but that we are heirs to this incredible culltural heritage which it would be madness to abandon.

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darrell altman burnworth,
October 16, 2013 3:58 PM

better late than never?

my grandfather anD my uncle always joked about their big jewish noses, I never paid any attention, granpa always claimed to be penn. dutch. I never questioned the fact. when I was 63 my aunt told me that my g.g.g. grandfather was a german that immigrated to the US in the 1800:s. I can only surmise that was to avoid persecution for being jewish! that's when I found out altman was german for old man. to my knowledge, gf never attended a Christian church in my lifetime, guess I as one of many of jewish descent that were unknown jews. I remember that when I was a child, mom was reading the paper crying that finally our people had a hemeland. that had to be in 1948. shialu shalom isreal. I recently acquired a torah. amazing the difference between it and the king james bible! my wifeS maiden name was wise had to be Weiss. she made her aliyah in 1982, guess I will m ake my aliyah at the GREAT COMING OF HE WHO IS AND HIS SON. MANY are here that are under the illusion that is is no jewish blood in their families, until THEY CONDUCT A STUDY OF THEIR FAMILY TREES, THEN WILL THEY BE AMAZED'

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Jeff Davis,
October 16, 2013 8:45 AM

Response

The statement - If Judaism has nothing to offer beyond lox and Seinfeld, then there is no reason to remain Jewish. Sad but true. The number of individuals I've heard who say they are Jewish far out number the ones who are following what there faith in Torah and other Scripture tells them. They live there lives daily by there faith and beliefs. Being Jewish is not just a title someone holds but a way of life.

(32)
Tehilla,
October 15, 2013 3:20 PM

Bat mitzvah

Btw, awesome that you are making this important to you and your daughter! You never know whIch event will change the pathway of life. I'm sure she'll remember her bat mitzvah as a real connection to her Judaism and anything thereafter she'll bring back to that Torah Reading and acceptance of mitzvoths. You should merit joy and closeness to G-d for your efforts!

(31)
Anonymous,
October 14, 2013 8:24 PM

because they do not valuve God

people forget who they are so just like in Jonah and Noah time they leave God out of their lives. God will also asked them what did you do for me and he willl reject the. we need to valuve the things of God and not of this world.

(30)
David D Stanton,
October 14, 2013 5:40 PM

Bother?

Why bother being Jewish? To me that is like saying why bother breathing, eating, and being yourself. It is part of what I am to the core.

Ann Canada,
October 15, 2013 8:02 PM

I so agree with you, Mr. Stanton.

(29)
Anonymous,
October 14, 2013 2:30 PM

Agree and it is sad

I agree with the article. My 13 year old just became a Bat Mitzvah at our (Reform) synagogue. Although I don't blame the synagogue or the Reform movement (I blame myself to a degree) her knowledge of Jewish history and Judaism lacks a lot. Now she can read Hebrew and Torah, which I can't do, even though I was raised in a Conservative synagogue. Although I find that it impressive, I am not impressed when we discuss things over dinner and I make a historical or biblical reference and she does not have any idea what I am referring to. I asked our religious school principal if she could provide me with a good book for a teenager on Judaism in regards to history and regilion (I think the are related, but separate issues). That was over a year ago. Still have not heard back from her. Why? She probably does not know, since her only quailification is that she is married to our Rabbi. If anyone has suggestions for good resources, it would be appreciated.

Anonymous,
October 14, 2013 7:04 PM

an idea

I think the first mistake was having a bas mitzvah at 13 - girls are bat mitzvah at 12 (generally girls mature before boys). You might want to tryhttp://www.amazon.com/The-Bible-Clueless-But-Curious/dp/1881927172

Eli Emanuel,
October 14, 2013 8:32 PM

reference

Hi there, kudos to you for making this important, you might want to try her on the crash course for Jewish history at jewishpathways.com. Their stuff is informative and interesting, good luck!!

Eli Willner,
October 14, 2013 8:38 PM

some good books

Check out "Straight Talk" and "Straight Talk - Next Steps" by "Yossi" and "The JGirl's Guide: The Young Jewish Woman's Handbook for Coming of Age". All available mail order from Eichlers (www.eichlers.com) or other Jewish bookstore.

Zema,
October 15, 2013 7:45 AM

Finding the Right book

Start with the Tanach. We just started a New Year and the new reading cycle. You are only a few weeks behind. Start at the very beginning and you will easily catch up. Read the weekly Parsha together at the dinner table or have her read to you as you are driving her around getting her from place to place. Then start reading Joseph Telushkin's 'Jewish Literacy Revised Ed:----'. together, also watch the series of 3min videos of Rabbi Berel Wein's "Crash Course in Jewish History" on youtube : https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GIlMBx8OPQAThen you will both have a greater understanding of who we are and why we do the things we do. It is not a just a religion, a nationality, or a culture. It is HaShem's plan for the "caretaker's" of THIS world(Tikkun Olam) and HIS world to come.

Chava,
October 15, 2013 11:47 AM

A Committed Life

I would recommend reading A Committed Life by Rebettzin Esther Jungreis. Any age person would receive great benefit from this book.

Anonymous,
October 15, 2013 3:16 PM

Jewish book for teenager

Akiva Tatz wrote a PHENOMINAL book (many actually), The Thinking Jewish Teenager's Guide To Life. Rabbi L. Kalaman wrote Permission to Believe and a sequel Permission to Recieve. Excellent books!

Caroline Glick's article is persuasive and I agree with it. But dealing with the trends pointed out in the Pew survey will require a game changing approach to our demographic problem. My view is that we should be more welcoming of converts, even to the point of trying to proselytize. My experience with converts in congregattions in a number of countries is that they tend to be more observant and Jewishly literate than the average of the rest of the congregation (reform or conservative). We have the "chosen people" brand and a tradition without equal; it should be able to "sell."

sholom,
October 15, 2013 11:31 AM

you're well intentioned but contradictory

If you agree with Caroline's premise then you agree adhering to our written and oral tradition is essential to our identity. That very tradition makes it clear that while we love converts, we don't proselytize.Shalom

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David,
October 14, 2013 5:50 AM

It's so simple that children understand it, why can't anybody just say it?

Shalom, When stories from the Tanach were read to 2nd grade children they all understood the basic theme. They summarize The Tanach as a great LOVE STORY. When I read the Torah, Tanach for my self I see how much G-D Loves each and every one of us and my Love for HIM grows with each new revelation of HIS spoken WORD. G-D chose us the Jewish people to be HIS children, We ( The Jews ) have an eternal Inheritance and so many promises from the LORD. HIS WORD says WE are the Apple of HIS EYE. All HE wants is a personal relationship with Each One of Us. The traditional Feasts and Festivals will be observed throughout eternity to show HIS LOVE AND MERCY AND GRACE TO US. Over one third of the Tanach is prophecy, over 10,000 verses and The LORD promised US, HIS BELOVED that HE will bring us back to the Land that HE gave US over 120 times in the Tanach. What does that tell you when a prophecy in the book of Daniel predicts to the very day on May 15th 1948 That We would become a Nation in a single day. Prophecy records this in the book of Isiah also. As G-D's Children we had the responsibility to show the world That OUR G-D IS THE ONE TRUE LIVING G-D. In this we failed many times, but G-D still LOVES US and BLESSED US. So much So, that every attack from the evil one has failed and We The Children of G-D still prosper in all We Do! Prophecy records that from the time We get Our Nation Back there will be War's and rumors of War's but We the Children of G-D will never be removed again. The Generation that see's the Jewish People become a Nation in a single day will not pass away before The LORD comes to Judge the Wicked and save Us from the evil one. REMEMBER the promise G-D made to Abraham in Genesis 15:5, since over 10,000 prophecies have come true you can put your trust in HIM. Do Not Put Your Trust in any Man for the wisdom of man leads to destruction, Trust in The LORD With All Your Heart and HE Will make straight your path! May The LORD Fill Your Heart With Peace And Love.

(26)
Sharona,
October 14, 2013 5:12 AM

I asked myself this question too. What's so important to keep Jewish Law and tradition? I believe for one, we made an eternal promise a long time ago to keep it. It is our Divine mission and purpose. Secondly, Torah and mitzvos and prayer connect us to G-d and nourish our soul. And thirdly, it's brings blessing to the world. It we understand this, then maybe we can reach our potential to be who we're meant to be

(25)
Nadene Goldfoot,
October 14, 2013 3:57 AM

Give Reasons to Be Proud of Heritage and Belief System of Jews

Don't discourage people from being Jewish in the USA. Many are on the cusp already of not being Jewish. Give them reasons to be Jewish. It has to start with the rabbis and synagogues. First off, they discourage people with expecting high fees just to attend synagogue as if we're all rich. That isn't the case. They need to reach out more, especially to this generation. If the parents have lost their reasons, the children will be nothing. They're already melting away into our giant melting pot. Education is the key and it must start with Sunday School. Children have got to be exposed to our biblical history and that we believe in one G-d and the history of others who didn't. There should be classes in every city for adults to learn as well. You can't take for granted that parents know anything. Get their curiosity aroused and make it interesting. Israelis are endangering their lives to fulfill our need of having a state for refuge and the survival of our religion. Are we doing anything to fight for it as well?

(24)
samuel welsh,
October 14, 2013 1:51 AM

end hatred to Isreal

big support to all jews

(23)
stewartinoz,
October 14, 2013 12:52 AM

Next Year in Jerusalem?

Has the above saying lost its impact on the Diaspora?The waters of Babylon where we sat and wept, now have a greater attraction? Jerusalem. If I forget, may my right eye......Being of Israel's seed but no longer hunger and thirst for their homeland, given by covenant in the Ur of the Chaldees.

(22)
Benjamin Docktor,
October 13, 2013 11:52 PM

Would not live a joyless faith.

I had been raised by Conservative High Holy Days parents who had great public standinng in the local synagogue, but who were hurtful and abusive to each other and to us children. I literally tuned out Hebrew school, and when I turned 12 my mother found out I was functionally illiterate in Hebrew. She struck me across the face, hard, and swore to make my life miserable if I didn't successfully perform in a Bar Mitzvah. I wound up chanting transliteration by rote, just to make her and everyone else happy. My mother also had a brother who felt required by his parents to marry a Jewish lady he did not love, nor did she love him, and I could see it. Their behavior to each other and to their children were at least not abusive like my own, but they were formal and very, very cold. I swore to myself that I would not live a joyless faith whose only purpose seemed to perpetuate itself. For that reason, I went very far West where there was no Jewish population. Eventually I outlived all my parents and grandparents, and since I now had no one left I had to answer to, married out of faith and then converted to my wife's faith. I have far more joy living an authentic faith of any kind even if it was not the one considered fitting for me, than I ever could living a commanded faith only for the sake of pretense. I have taught my daughter some of the traditions, though, as she presently seems fascinated at being half-Jewish.

Boruch Tuvia,
October 16, 2013 9:59 PM

It's sad your parents made you turn away from Judaism

I understand why you reject Judaism; however the true essence of our faith is love of people & the Almighty, serving Him with joy, living moral lives. I am happy you have found faith that is right for you. You should not judge the Jewish faith by your horrible family experience. If you ever want to find out what you have missed, stop at any Chabad center.

(21)
Angel,
October 13, 2013 11:11 PM

I dont know why,but,sometimes I had been crying with you.Your worries are mine. Your happiness its in my heart.Wherever I go, my voice is loud and clear "Israel got the right to exist in peace in its land!Thanks Jews for keeping the Torah alive!Thank you for let me know about G-d!Thank you so much.Adonai is my light, my life belongs to Him.

(20)
David,
October 13, 2013 11:07 PM

Lack of knowledge isn't an answer

The same study concluded that half the people who were raised Orthodox are no longer Orthodox. Maybe we should stop dismissing other streams of Judaism and start considering why we're all failing. A 50% retention rate is nothing to brag about.

(19)
Mark,
October 13, 2013 11:06 PM

Money!

I am NOT a Rich Jew and am a Truck Driver, my wife is in the Medical Field and we are barley making it now. I have been laid off for a couple of years now, working for this temp agency or that one to make money when I can. During the High Holy Days this year people snub me and my wife and pass right by us because we are not wealthy and Im a just a Truck Driver...Please let me say this!! With out people like me (Driver) the World STOPS!! We (Drivers) make the world move..everything you own or will own in the future will be or has been on a truck at one time or another, so when your at Shule and you think your better than some one else? Then go home and get the Hell out of there because your there for all the wrong reasons..I just want to to Daven and nothing more..I can't stand my own people. Sad, very sad.

Anonymous,
October 14, 2013 11:18 PM

Same here!

Hi, Mark!

Money's the same reason I never got integrated into the Jewish Community in Mexico. As a convert I always got rejected due to my economical background. I had gone to the US specially to study and get my giur. Back in Mexico, I found nothing in the community but barriers.

Someone even suggested me to move to Israel, in order to live a more Jewish life, which I tried, to no avail: The Jewish Agency in Mexico rejected my application, even though I've never stopped studying Torah and I've never been in jail nor is there any argument whatsoever to deem me a threat against Israel.

I finally understood that it is meaningless to expect acceptance from everbody around. Now I study Torah on my own, I have learnt how to pray cantor-style (and I even make Torah reading with cantillation) and hold Jewish religious services at home, with my daughter.

Keep Davening, Mark! And don't you ever stop studying Torah! It is not for mankind's acceptance we do this, but the Lord's!

Yevarechecha "H =)

Mark Coleman,
October 15, 2013 10:20 AM

Shalom

Thanks for the kind words:) I wish you all the best as well.

(18)
rosemarie,
October 13, 2013 10:37 PM

Lone Jew

The Lubavitchers have Chabad Houses everywhere...even in East Texas, I'm sure. Try to find one in the phone book, or Google for other locations...good luck finding a place where you'll feel welcome.

(17)
Chris Rettenmoser,
October 13, 2013 9:35 PM

A brilliant article !

I just want to mention, that the first attack on the Hebrew Bible came from a brilliant Jewish mind...Spinoza.

(16)
Elfrieda Thomas,
October 13, 2013 8:54 PM

Lone Jew

I must admit being a Jew has become very difficult with Christian Church teachings proclaiming we are responsible for the death of Christ. In the area that I reside, Natal Midlands I know of one other Jewish family, but they live in Pietermaritzburg. Because of this and being married to an Agnostic, my Jewish identity has been lost. I am in no way happy about this, especially when my maternal family were incarcerated in Dachau and Auschwitz, but understand that as 'no man is an island' I have accepted for peace to go with the flow

I'd love to be part of the Jewish Community where I live, but unfortunately it is populated by an elite group of well to do socialites that I can't afford to be part of. There is a fee to be a Temple member that would take food off my table.I'm self employed and have struggled with funds all my life. It has never been a financial option to be a part of any group.I am what I am. I'm sadly illiterate in Judaism as my parents never offered me a Jewish Education. Now there is barely any family left. I doubt there is a single Jewish male near my age (63) within 100 miles of my home. I guess I'm the lone Jew of East Texas. But yes, an interesting story.My brother, whom I'm sure is an athiest, provided Jewish Education (of sorts) to both his children. One is now converted to Catholicism. One is probably an athiest as well.Just not easy being a Jew anymore. I do miss Brooklyn. I moved here to be with my elderly mother. Now that she's gone, I am the lone Jew.

Anonymous,
October 13, 2013 9:00 PM

start learning about Judaism

contact www.partnersintorah.org/ and get a partner to start teaching you Judaism. there are dozens of websites like aish.com to learn from

kay,
October 13, 2013 9:00 PM

lone jew

don't worry Keep looking at the synagogue, go see the Rabbi, explain your worries, I am sure he will help you.

anon,
October 13, 2013 9:41 PM

this is a good place to start

you say you can't afford education; you have an internet connection and aish.com; have you read Rabbi Ken Spiro'shistory series on this site; it's a great place to start;

Gail,
October 14, 2013 1:54 AM

Seek and yea shall find!

If you put forth the effort or even try to reach out to the temple of elitist, they may reach back. I know in our community no one is turned away for financial or lack thereof. That is our role as jews to help out the less fortunate or give back. Please don't give up and reach out. Someone will reach back. Shalom! Friend in Havre de Grace Maryland!

(13)
A. Eller,
October 13, 2013 7:29 PM

CAROLINE GLICK NAILS IT AGAIN

Ms. Glick consistently puts together the Jewish pieces in their proper order, be they the mosaic of Israel vis a vis the world, Jews vis a vis the world, or Jews vis a vis Jewish life. Brilliant and impassioned, she is well worth listening to.

(12)
Anonymous,
October 13, 2013 7:27 PM

Why bother being Jewish ?!

It is such a shame that born Jews are throwing away their rich faith and way of life while becoming Jewish for non-Jewish families are so difficult. I feel like yelling "What are you thinking !! " .

Anonymous,
October 13, 2013 9:06 PM

Have you neer read...? HE is well worth the bother...

Now there is no reason not to know 'how to be Jewish', nor how to be a believer in the Almighty One of Israel. You can learn anything you desire, but where is the desire for G_d? Agreed - what are you thinking!?

(11)
Tone Lechtzier,
October 13, 2013 6:57 PM

It seems...

Shalom, I consider being Jewish an honor from Above. However, the younger generation is caught up in the glitz and lies of the world. All that I have met are self centered for the most part brain dead zombies. I attribute this to basically the poisoned environment most live in. A little poison here, a little there, it all adds up. GMO's, EMF's, fluoride in most water, chemicals in our food, toxic air, et al.With Blessings ~ Tone

(10)
Barry J White,
October 13, 2013 6:39 PM

Genetics counts; a yiddisha neshoma

The maintenance of the Jewish gene pool since 1300 BCE, over 3800 years, is no small thing. They have traced DNA of Cohanim back to the time of Sinai, and 2/3 of Jewish males share two haplo types. Reseach has shown health benefitsattributed to the Jewish gene pool. It is not just to preservethe traditions, culture and Torah that we marry within our genepool. And several Rabbis hold that there is a limited numberof Jewish souls. This does not mean that serious converts cannot become devout and observant Jews. For those born to a Jewish who do not understand the biological side andbenefits of passing on their Jewish genes intact to theirchildren are missing the meaning of a gift which has beenpreserved and passed on at great expense of those whohave gone before. Do you think that the achievements of Israel and of Jews in the diaspora are just because theyeat bagels and lox? For the Jew who appreciates this andwho embraces his Jewishness and accepts the yoke of Judaism, the rewards in his life and beyond are greaterthan he can ever know or understand. And this does notjust apply to the Orthodox; the Pirke Avot is a guide to living a meaningful Jewish life; further study will deepen that experience and commitment. One can never takethe full measure of a Jew.

(9)
Charles Gelfand,
October 13, 2013 5:25 PM

chockum@me.com

There are millions of very nice people that would love to be Jewish, and would make fine members of our tribe.We need to invite them to learn our values and beliefs, and sincerely welcome them to join with us and become Jews.

leah nemes,
October 13, 2013 9:49 PM

Yes, you are very right my grandma was only jewish in my family from my father 's side I was baptized as christian and at the age of 33 I must admit that I wish I could have a jewish education, and more wisdom I do consider conversion as well because I absolutely do belive judaism offers so much wisdom and you always keep educating yourself as much as you can

A2,
October 13, 2013 10:18 PM

Thats not what judiasm is about, but anyone can keep the 7 mitzvot That nonjews are obligated to, because its not easy to take in the 613

(8)
Lori,
October 13, 2013 4:57 PM

I intermarried once and will never do so again. I grew up reform but we agreed to send our children to yeshiva to learn what I didn't. As I learned from them how beautiful Judaism was I grew farther and farther apart and felt like I was being held hostage to what he wanted me to unlearn. I remarried a wonderful Jewish man and we share what we are.

Robert Cullick,
October 15, 2013 8:13 PM

Thank you for your story.

Wishing you happiness and contentment.

(7)
Marny CA,
October 13, 2013 4:55 PM

Feeling Jewish

Coming from an orthodox family and my mom especially, I am proud to be a Jew, even though I do not follow all the laws.

In my heart and soul Jewish is what I am. By myself, however, I couldn't give my upbringing to my children.

It takes a family and a village. I'm blessed to have had that even in its most difficult times. My mother's actions spoke to both my brother and me. I honor her z"l.

(6)
Frannk Adam,
October 13, 2013 4:05 PM

Jews are like other people only more so - GB Shaw

Being Jewish is a lot more than just "barking at print" in a prayer book - or keeping kosher butchers in business. We live in an age when all religions are taking a beating because the general culture demands evidence and bottom line what doesn't pay doesn't stay, as grocer Maggie Thatcher put it somewhere. Till very recently one sound reason for low intermarriage was that the Christians were not having it either!Caroline's basic criticism that too many Jews are [pig] ignorant is fair; but then they were not encouraged to read freely in their vernacular about Jewish history or religion in class, but only subjected to do this or do that like rookies at "square bashing." Eventually if we treat Judaism as a grandparents' ornament or photo to be dusted but not played with and only used gingerly on occasions then we can not complain if it is remitted to storage and forgotten. As with many skills and practices: use it or lose it and the failure of the 20th century rabbinate and Jewish apology for education is that it has tried to close minds to NOT change instead of demonstrating pertinence to the modern world.Solve that last pedagogical trick and we might yet retrieve our youngsters. On the other hand there is the tradition that only a fifth of the Jewish people followed Moses out of Egypt.

(5)
charles richman,
October 13, 2013 3:35 PM

bother?????????????

It's a privilege and an honor to be one of the 13,900,000 Jewish people on this earth. Our problem is we don't take full advantage of this privilege by observing to the fullest, learning and celebrating our honor.

Evelyn,
October 13, 2013 8:08 PM

Bother? Being Jewish is a bother? NOT TO ME

I am a convert - Orthodox- As i read Jewish literature and the rules we should live by- I saw that they fitted me much better than any other religion. I've been a member of the tribe for over 35 years now. No regrets- only satisfaction that I am finally where I belong.

(4)
Allan Koven,
October 13, 2013 3:29 PM

May be all true but...

We are still left with a dilemma. Studying in a Yeshiva does not accomplish a purpose other than creating an individual who can think abstactionally and reason with aplomb. Although importantit does little to solve the mass exodus of our young. Where are the charismatic evangelical leaders who can Pied Piper ouryouth and imbue their emotional and passionate souls withmeaning and purpose? Where indeed?

(3)
Michal,
October 13, 2013 3:25 PM

Isn't the relationship with Hashem just as important?

I always enjoy Caroline Glick, when I can hear her ot read something she wrote.But here I have the feeling as if it is only about us and our behaviour- We are the ones who should keep mitzvoth and do the right things, be morale beings. I love the Bible too.but I in the first place learn about Hashem, He, the Creator of heaven and earth, loves us. wants us to emulate Him, cares for His People like a father cares for His children. Has - if we want - a relationship with every one of us. One day I will die and my Soul goes back to Him. And no one in between, who keeps us away from Him. No son of God, no redeemer, who shed blood for our sins.We Jews are allowed to stand in front of God himself. With our own good or bad deeds. A Jew has to take the responsibility in this world, God gave him. How unimportant are Philosophers like Kant or Hegel and their "great thoughts"In these days we learn so much about Avraham Avinu, our role model in being proud Jews. Can it be, that nowadays Jews learn more about mitzvoth than about the One who commanded them because He loves us?

(2)
Ira Newborn,
October 13, 2013 3:24 PM

Finding a big old trunk in your great grandfather's attic and throwing it out without looking to see what's in it.

It's in the "One Line Summary."

(1)
Bradly,
October 13, 2013 8:48 AM

I am in this situation as well. I love being Jewish, but as an intermarried Jew, it is hard to bring my children into the fold. I work internationally, and ow that I'm finally living in a city with a healthy Jewish community (for this first time since marrying and having children) I pray to Almighty HaShem that my children will understand why I get so excited about anything Jewish.

Mordechai,
October 13, 2013 3:03 PM

Ditto

I am in the same boat. When i look at my children I pray that my new found excitement in our precious world will be able to reach them when they are older. My mistake has been a painful one.

miriamwcohen,
October 13, 2013 4:16 PM

excited about anything Jewish?

But your kids are not Jewish are they? Why should they be connected in any way if you married out? You have to live Jewishly to be Jewish, the Jewish Calendar, synagogue observance, and yes indeed, kosher. Just lighting a chanuka menora just won't cut it.

Molly,
October 13, 2013 11:18 PM

I disagree

I disagree with the notion that her children are not really Jewish. Either being born to a Jewish mother makes you Jewish, or following Hashem's commandments makes you Jewish. If you believe the second part, then converts would be embraced, which they are not.

Anonymous,
October 17, 2013 5:22 PM

THIS is why people don't bother

This comment is why people don't "bother" being Jewish. It's the CONSTANT judgment. Who wants to be part of a community that is always judging them and others? If we're not "Jewish enough," we're made to feel inadequate. Add to that the amount of work and requirements to be considered "Jewish enough" and it's easy to see why people wouldn't bother. As far as I'm concerned though, no one on this planet gets to tell me what I am and what I believe. That is between me and G-d. I am Jewish because that's what I was meant to be, whether I do everything I'm "supposed" to or not. G-d knows what's in my heart.